John McGinn thriving on promotion pressure at Hibs

BARRY ANDERSON

JOHN McGINN is already acutely aware of the pressure to win promotion at Hibs.

The midfielder is on Scotland Under-21 duty this week but, just five weeks into his Easter Road career, has noticed the craving for a Premiership return among supporters.

Hibs were consigned to a second season in the SPFL Championship when they lost to Rangers in the play-offs in May. Since then, head coach Alan Stubbs has recruited heavily, with ten permanent signings and three loans.

McGinn is confident of achieving this season’s aim and helping his club back to where he feels they belong.

“It is a Premiership club in the wrong division. It’s down there for a reason,” said the 20-year-old. “They got relegated because they weren’t good enough.

“For me, it’s about playing games every week. I had other offers which weren’t guaranteeing that.

“It’s a really important move for me because it’s that age where I’m developing and I need to play to get better. There’s an awful lot more pressure to win. I can feel that already but it’s something I’m thriving on. It’s a club that doesn’t deserve to be in the division it’s in.”

The former St Mirren player held talks with Houston Dynamo during the summer before signing a four-year contract with Hibs. He explained how he didn’t fully appreciated the size of the club until he arrived.

“I knew how good a club Hibs was but the size took me by surprise a little. You walk about the street and there are Hibees everywhere. I’m moving through next week so I’ll have to start getting used to that. It’s a privilege to play for such a big club. Hopefully we can bring the fans success.”